• Miscellaneous General Permit Guidance

STATE OF CONNECTICUT
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
BUREAU OF WATER MANAGEMENT
PERMITTING, ENFORCEMENT & REMEDIATION DIVISION
79 ELM STREET
HARTFORD, CT 06106-5127
860-424-3018
Guidance Document
General Permit for Miscellaneous Discharges of
Sewer Compatible (MISC) Wastewater
Arthur J. Rocque, Jr., Commissioner
Printed on recycled paper
Bureau of Water Management
DEP-PERD-GUID-012 Rev. 11/17/04
 STATE OF CONNECTICUT
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Dear Sir/Madam:
This package is designed to help you understand and comply with the DEP’s General Permit for
Miscellaneous Discharges of Sewer Compatible (MISC) Wastewater. Included in the package is an
explanation of how to obtain a general permit and then consistently maintain compliance with the permit terms
and conditions. The various sections describe the types of facilities which tend to qualify, the registration and
authorization requirements, the format of the general permit, the screening process, effluent limitations and key
treatment, control and monitoring requirements, and what you need to do in the event of a permit violation. The
Appendices to this document contain several Tables, summary sheets and other pertinent resource information.
We hope this information will allow you to better understand the general permit and thereby promote its proper
use and application.
This package is part of our continuing effort to improve environmental compliance through increased
awareness and understanding. If you have questions on any aspect of this general permit, or have suggestions on
how we can provide further outreach or assistance, please call us at one of the numbers listed in this package.
You can also access this document, the general permit itself and any updated information from the DEP website
at www.dep.state.ct.us under Permits, Licenses and Registrations/Permit Application Forms and Instructions.
We hope you will work with us to ensure the success of the general permitting program and our other
streamlining efforts intended to improve and simplify the regulatory process.
Thank you for helping us keep Connecticut’s waters clean.
Sincerely,
MICHAEL HARDER, DIRECTOR
Permitting, Enforcement and Remediation Division
Bureau of Water Management
(Printed on Recycled Paper)
79 Elm Street • Hartford, CT 06106-5127
htt;://dep.state.ct.us
An Equal Opportunity Employer
 Guidance Document
General Permit for Miscellaneous Discharges of
Sewer Compatible (MISC) Wastewater
Table of Contents
Why Do I Need a Permit? ..........................................................................................................................1
Do I Qualify for a General Permit?............................................................................................................1
Registration Requirements ........................................................................................................................2
Format of MISC General Permit ...............................................................................................................2
Requirements for Municipalities and Areas Served By Combined Sewers ............................................3
Key Permit Terms and Conditions .............................................................................................................4
a. Screening Procedure .............................................................................................................................4
b. Treatment and Control Requirements .................................................................................................4
c. Effluent Limitations...............................................................................................................................5
d. Monitoring Requirements ....................................................................................................................5
e. Pollution Prevention Measures ...........................................................................................................5
Permit Violations - What You Need to Do.................................................................................................5
DEP Contacts ..............................................................................................................................................5
Appendix A. Summary of MISC General Permit Requirements......................................................A-1
Questions & Answers on the MISC General Permit...................................................A-2
Appendix B. MISC Wastewater General Permit Specification Sheets
1. Air Compressor Condensate & Blowdown .................................................................B-1
2. Building Maintenance Wastewater...............................................................................B-2
3. Contact Cooling & Heating Water ..............................................................................B-3
4. Cutting & Grinding Wastewater ..................................................................................B-4
5. Fire Sprinkler System Testwater .................................................................................B-5
6. Non-Destruct Testing Rinsewater................................................................................B-6
7. Undesignated MISC Wastewater................................................................................B-7
Appendix C. Permitting, Enforcement & Remediation Division Phone Numbers for
Information and Assistance
Appendix D. Quick Reference to Permit Assistance Resources
Appendix E. MISC General Permit Effluent Limitations
Appendix F. Section 22a-430-4 RCSA, Appendix B, Tables II, III, V and Appendix D
Bureau of Water Management
DEP-PERD-GUID-012 Rev. 11/17/04
 Guidance Document
General Permit for Miscellaneous Discharges of
Sewer Compatible (MISC) Wastewater
Please understand that this package is only a summary of key information and requirements that apply to the General
Permit for Miscellaneous Discharges of Sewer Compatible (MISC) Wastewater. If you are eligible to maintain a
discharge under this permit, it is your obligation to be familiar with all applicable requirements of the general permit.
You should refer to the permit and Section 22a-430 of the Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) and Sections 22a-430-
3, 4, 6 and 7 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (RCSA) for a complete understanding of all
requirements that apply to your facility. This guide is not a substitute for a thorough review of your permit and
applicable laws. In the event there is a discrepancy between this document and either the MISC general permit or the
applicable statutes and regulations, then the statutes, regulations and the permit prevail and must be followed.
Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all conditions of your permit.
Why Do I Need a Permit?
Under CGS Section 22a-430, any person who wishes to discharge any type of wastewater to the waters of the state
i.e., surface waters, groundwaters or a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (or POTW, including its sanitary sewerage
system) must first obtain a wastewater discharge permit from the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP). To comply with this requirement, such persons may obtain either an individual permit or, as
available, a general permit. An individual permit is issued to a specific facility at a specific site with terms and
conditions specific to that permittee and is typically applied to the most significant discharges warranting a detailed
application and review. By contrast, general permits are issued to authorize groupings or categories of wastewaters
which are minor in nature, thereby limiting DEP involvement and streamlining the application process. A general
permit is available for Miscellaneous Discharges of Sewer Compatible or MISC Wastewater. ? MISC Wastewater”
means a discharge to a sanitary sewer (and only to a sanitary sewer) of no more than 50,000 gallons per day (or up to
2% of the receiving POTWs design flow, whichever is less) of wastewater resulting from any of the following
processes or activities: air compressor condensate, air compressor blowdown, building maintenance wastewater,
contact cooling and heating wastewater, cutting and grinding wastewater, fire sprinkler system testwater, non-
destruct testing rinsewater, and undesignated MISC wastewater. These processes and activities are defined in Section
2 of the General Permit for MISC Wastewater and on the specification sheets included as Appendix B to this guidance
document.
Do I Qualify for a General Permit?
A facility is eligible to be authorized by the General Permit for MISC Wastewater if it meets the definition of MISC
wastewater specified in Section 2 of the general permit and the authorization requirements specified in Section 3 of the
general permit. These and other key requirements are summarized in the Summary Table and Specification Sheets at
the end of this guidance document. A person who or municipality that discharges miscellaneous sewer compatible
wastewater is strongly encouraged to review the authorization criteria and, if eligible, seek authorization under the
general permit as appropriate. Note that the general permit authorizes discharges to a POTW only either directly via a
sanitary sewer or by vehicle transport*, and that some POTWs may place restrictions on the use of general permits
and should be consulted first. Discharges, which are directed to a surface water or subsurface leaching system, such
as a septic system, are not qualified to be authorized under the general permit.
* Facilities located in rural and other areas not served by a sanitary sewer may utilize a properly designed holding
tank and have the wastewater hauled to an approved POTW in Connecticut provided that all treatment
requirements, effluent limitations, and other conditions of the general permit, including filing of a registration,
are satisfied. All wastewaters must be transported in a manner consistent with the requirements of CGS Section
22a-454.
Bureau of Water Management
DEP-PERD-GUID-012 1 of 5 Rev. 11/17/04
Applicants should be aware that the general permit is the most expedient and least costly means of satisfying their
obligation to obtain a wastewater discharge permit under state law. In addition, the general permit prescribes minimum
monitoring requirements and effluent limitations which are intended to reflect the minor nature of the discharge.
Therefore, any applicant who applies for an individual permit (a permit tailored towards a specific facility discharge
vs. a general permit) should anticipate permit terms and conditions which are at least as stringent as those contained in
the general permit, as well as considerably higher fees.
Registration Requirements
With the exceptions noted below, all persons (who) or municipalities that wish to obtain authorization to discharge
under the general permit must submit a completed registration form containing the information specified in subsection
4(e) of the general permit and a fee. In most cases, the permit fee is $500.00 for persons and $250.00 for
municipalities. (Note: see section on special requirements for municipalities below.)
For very small discharges of MISC wastewater consisting of less than 500 gallons per day and for certain categories
less than 5,000 gallons per day as specified in subsection 4(b) of the general permit, the discharge is automatically
authorized without the need to register or pay a fee. Discharges which are exempt from registration are still required to
comply with all other terms and conditions of the general permit.
For most discharges greater than 5,000 gallons per day (and for any volume of MISC wastewater transported to a
POTW), applicants are required to file a registration or, depending on the volume and category of MISC wastewater,
receive an approval of registration from DEP. The latter may be accomplished either by obtaining approval from the
local POTW (only if it wishes to participate in the certification process) or through certification by a Connecticut
licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) or by a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM). For these cases, the
permit fee is $1000.00. For specific requirements on this procedure, see subsection 4(e) of the general permit.
The effective dates of authorization under the general permit are as follows:
For a new or existing discharge that requires a registration in accordance with Section 4 of the general permit, the
effective date of authorization is the issuance date of the general permit, however, such discharges have up to one
year to fulfill the requirement to file a registration (or until April 30, 2002), or if applicable, receive an approval of
registration by the Commissioner or will cease to be authorized. After April 30, 2002, such discharges will no longer
be authorized unless the requirement to file a registration, or if applicable, receive an approval of registration has been
met. For a discharge that does not require the filing of a registration, the date of authorization is the date the general
permit becomes effective. All such discharges must still comply with all other applicable terms and conditions of the
general permit.
Format of MISC General Permit
The purpose of the general permit for “Miscellaneous Discharges of Sewer Compatible Wastewater” or “MISC”
wastewater is to establish a streamlined process to regulate a variety of (i.e. ? MISCellaneous? ) wastewater discharges
resulting from (primarily) commercial/industrial processes and activities to a municipal (publicly owned) sanitary
sewer and treatment works (POTW). The categories chosen for coverage under the MISC wastewater general permit
have been targeted towards frequently encountered commercial/industrial activities and involve wastewaters which
are: (1) relatively low in volume with minor environmental impact; (2) readily compatible with conventional POTW
operations; and (3) not already eligible for another (existing) category of general permit. The term Miscellaneous
Sewer Compatible Wastewater or MISC wastewater was selected to help convey to users an understanding that only
those categories of wastewater which can be safely disposed of to a POTW are eligible for coverage.
Bureau of Water Management
DEP-PERD-GUID-012 2 of 5 Rev. 11/17/04
In an effort to make the MISC wastewater general permit more user-friendly, a “Specification Sheet” or “Spec”
Sheet has been added to this permit’s guidance document (Appendix B). The Spec Sheet is an easily referenced
summary document for each wastewater category covered under the MISC wastewater general permit. The Spec
Sheet is intended to highlight the most important elements of the application process which need to be considered such
as conditions of eligibility, registration requirements, permit fees, etc. In addition, the Spec Sheet contains other
specific information or provisions which apply to the process or activity covered, such as flowrate and effluent limits,
treatment and monitoring requirements, and best management practices. In addition, a Summary Table of MISC
General Permit Requirements has been prepared and included in this document (Appendix A-1) for quick reference, as
well as a list of Questions & Answers on the MISC GP (Appendix A-2).
The MISC wastewater general permit has been structured such that there are two main categories under which
coverage may be obtained, i.e. the designated and undesignated categories. The Designated MISC Wastewater
processes and activities are those specific ally defined in Section 2 of the general permit (Definitions), for example
building maintenance wastewater and contact cooling & heating water. The other main category of MISC wastewater
is the Undesignated MISC Wastewater category (also defined in Section 2 of the general permit) which applies to any
other wastewater discharge to a POTW which meets all the necessary eligibility criteria based on a careful review of
the type of activity or process, raw materials, chemical additives, flowrate, pollutant concentrations, etc. and which
complies with all pollutant limitations and all other permit conditions. These criteria are also summarized in a separate
Spec Sheet for the Undesignated MISC Wastewater category.
It must be cautioned that the Spec Sheet is intended primarily to facilitate an initial understanding of how to qualify for
and obtain coverage under the MISC general permit. Use and reliance upon the Spec Sheet or Table Summary alone
must not substitute for a careful review and understanding of all the general permit requirements and conditions which
are provided in detail as outlined in the permit’s table of contents.
Again, for the convenience of the user, all Spec Sheets for both designated and undesignated categories of MISC
wastewater are provided as attachments to this guidance document, as well as a Table Summary of MISC General
Permit Requirements for all categories, and the MISC General Permit Effluent Limitations. In addition, a listing of
substances contained in Appendix B, Tables II, III, V and Appendix D of Section 22a-430-4 RCSA is also attached.
This listing must be consulted (as necessary) as part of the MISC wastewater general permit application process.
Requirements for Municipalities and Areas Served by Combined Sewers
Although the MISC wastewater general permit is intended to regulate sources of wastewater generated from the
commercial and industrial sectors, it became evident during the general permit development process that some sources
may originate from municipally controlled activities. In an effort to streamline the compliance requirements for
municipalities, only those sources of Undesignated MISC Wastewater as defined in Section 2 of the general permit
must be registered, and this may be done by the filing of a single registration for all such sources within its
jurisdiction. A municipality remains obligated to comply with all effluent requirements for any sources of MISC
wastewater generated and to properly maintain all wastewater treatment facilities (if needed) and/or best management
practices as required to meet such effluent limitations.
In addition to the above, it came to the department's attention that in certain urban areas which continue to be served
by combined sewers (i.e. sewers which convey both sanitary wastewater and stormwater to a POTW), discharges
from fire hydrant testing, firefighting or other activities related to maintaining public safety may come under the
purview of the MISC wastewater general permit. As it was never the department's intention to regulate such
discharges in these areas, the MISC wastewater general permit authorizes such discharges but provides exemption
from the permit's registration, monitoring and reporting requirements.
Bureau of Water Management
DEP-PERD-GUID-012 3 of 5 Rev. 11/17/04
Also in combined sewer areas, the MISC wastewater general permit was drafted to greatly streamline the regulation of
groundwater and stormwater discharges which originate from underground public utility equipment manholes and
vaults. Such sources of wastewater are required to follow effective best management practices in order to comply
with the MISC wastewater general permit's effluent limitations and to comply with specific but streamlined reporting
requirements.
Key Permit Terms and Conditions
a. Screening Procedure
It is essential that any candidate for authorization under the MISC wastewater general permit understands which
processes and activities under consideration are eligible for coverage and, if authorized, complies with all pertinent
requirements. The summary table of requirements and the individual specification sheet for each category of
MISC wastewater have been prepared to make this task easier.
First, it must be determined whether or not the discharge falls within the definition of the various categories of
MISC wastewater. Next, one needs to carefully review the nature of the process or activity generating the
discharge and consider the types of pollutants which are likely to be present, the levels at which they are present,
and the volume (gallons per day) generated. This can be done by consideration of the process or activity itself (for
instance building maintenance, floor washing, etc.), the raw materials and chemicals being used and/or in contact
with each other, and the types of pollutants contained in the materials in use (chemical additives, etc.). This can
be accomplished by examining ingredient lists, MSDS sheets and by contacting manufacturers or vendors if
necessary. In some cases, simply using common sense and good judgment will suffice in determining if the
wastewater has any prohibited pollutants or pollutants at a level of concern, i.e. in amounts or concentrations
above the limitations allowed in the MISC general permit. In many cases, however, it may be necessary to have a
representative sample of the wastewater analyzed by a testing laboratory (or done by your own laboratory, if
qualified and done properly) to accurately measure the types and levels of pollutants which are present. The
results can then be compared to the effluent limits specified in the MISC wastewater general permit (see
subsection 5(b) of the general permit) to see if the wastewater complies or not.
It is important to remember that the permittee (and not DEP) is completely responsible for any determinations
made with respect to eligibility for and compliance with the MISC wastewater general permit. If you are uncertain
regarding any of the general permit? s requirements, you should retain the services of a qualified consultant or
environmental professional to assist you and/or contact the department (see Appendix C and D). Please keep in
mind that we (DEP) are always available for help and strongly urge that you call us if you have any questions
regarding use of the general permit.
b. Treatment and Control Requirements
All permittees shall comply with the authorization requirements specified in Section 3 of the general permit and the
control requirements specified in subsections 5(a)(1), (2) and (3) of the general permit at all times. Note that
specific treatment and control requirements are also outlined in the specification sheets for each category of MISC
wastewater.
All treatment systems require proper operation and maintenance. It is your responsibility to perform regular
inspections and operational checks to verify that the system is properly treating the wastewater and that effluent
concentration limits are being met.
Bureau of Water Management
DEP-PERD-GUID-012 4 of 5 Rev. 11/17/04
c. Effluent Limitations
All discharges authorized by the general permit are subject to the effluent limitations specified in subsection 5(b)
of the general permit and as highlighted in the specification sheets. Any samples collected for analysis to determine
compliance with effluent concentrations shall be comprised solely of miscellaneous sewer compatible
wastewaters, and shall be taken prior to combination with wastewaters of any other type.
d. Monitoring Requirements
For all discharges for which a registration is required, testing to measure treatment system performance and to
determine compliance with the effluent limitations shall be undertaken utilizing representative grab samples and
appropriate EPA test methods (i.e. 40 CFR 136) at the frequency specified in subsection 5(c) of the general
permit. For any discharge (with certain exceptions), including those exempt from registration requirements, a
quarterly/event data recording log must be kept on site which contains the following information: total daily flow,
a description of the discharge and associated process/operation, any analytical results of samples taken and the
date and time of discharge. Monitoring records and discharge logs shall be maintained at the facility for a
minimum of five years from the date of analysis or discharge and be made available upon request by DEP or the
receiving POTW.
e. Pollution Prevention Measures
All permittees are strongly encouraged to engage sound pollution prevention practices at their facilities as a general
policy and in efforts undertaken to qualify for and comply with the terms and conditions of the MISC wastewater
general permit. Pollution prevention means eliminating or reducing the amount and toxicity of potentially harmful
substances at their source, by not generating these substances in the first place. For instance the use of
chlorinated solvents, volatile organic compounds or other well known pollutants should be either avoided or
minimized, and safer, less toxic chemicals substituted in their place. An example of this would be the use of citrus
solvents and aqueous cleaners in place of acetone or other petroleum-based solvents. A conscious effort should be
made to identify and use bona-fide ? green? products whenever possible when contacting vendors for chemical
supply needs. Permittees can also call DEP’s Office of Pollution Prevention at 860-424-3297 in order to obtain
specific guidance or other assistance in this regard.
Permit Violations - What You Need to Do
If any analytical results or monitoring data collected under the general permit indicate that a violation of an effluent
limitation or any other condition of the general permit has occurred, the permittee must take immediate measures as
necessary to bring the discharge into compliance with the limits of the general permit. In addition, the permittee must
record and report the violations and undertake other corrective actions in accordance with the procedures specified in
subsections 5(e) and (h) of the general permit.
DEP Contacts
A list of DEP contacts is provided as Appendix C. For general information and assistance, please contact our Engineer
of the Day at 860-424-3018 or the engineer most familiar with your facility. If you have special or pressing concerns,
you may wish to contact the Water Permits Ombudsman, Bryan Sousa, at 860-424-3848.
Bureau of Water Management
DEP-PERD-GUID-012 5 of 5 Rev. 11/17/04
 Appendix A - 1: Summary of MISC General Permit Requirements
MISC
Wastewater Fee Required 4 Type of Monitoring
Category Type of Registration 1 & 4 Person/Municipality Required 2 & 3 Monitoring Frequency
Flow Rate >500, >5,000 >500, >5,000 >500 >5,000 >500, >5,000
(gallons per day)